Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in North Kesteven?
162 vehicles in 2026 against 158 in 2024: taxis 41 → 38, private hire 117 → 124; 1.32 per 1,000 residents; 8% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 41 | 38 | down 7% |
| Private hire vehicles | 117 | 124 | up 6% |
| Driver licences | 171 | 174 | up 2% |
| Operator licences | 30 | 27 | down 10% |
How does North Kesteven compare with other councils in the East Midlands?
Among councils in the East Midlands, North Kesteven ranks 21st of 35 for vehicles per head (1.32 per 1,000, median 1.94). It ranks 17th for operators (27, median 27).[1]
| Measure | North Kesteven | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.32 | 1.94 | 21st of 35 |
| Operator licences | 27 | 27 | 17th of 34 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 5 | 4 | 16th of 34 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 8% | 10% | 18th of 33 |
What does the North Kesteven market look like for an operator?
North Kesteven's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 23% taxis, 77% private hire of 162 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 5 PHVs per operator on average (124 across 27 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (174 for 162).
- 100% dual-licensed drivers.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 9 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in North Kesteven differ from other councils?
3 departures from the usual rules in North Kesteven's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an age limit, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- No disability awareness course for North Kesteven private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- Fewer booking details required: North Kesteven asks operators to record 9 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out time booking is made and vehicle registration number and name of booker.
- Policy last updated: 2024, by North Kesteven's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does North Kesteven grant?
2 new, 3 renewed; 27 in force (30 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in North Kesteven?
27 at 1 April 2026, 30 at 1 April 2024 (DfT).
Sources
Fees and rules change. Each source is the official page we read, with the date we read it; check it before you apply or pay.
- [1] DfT taxi and private hire vehicle statistics 2026, tables TAXI0104-TAXI0112 (read 2 Nov 2026)
- [2] GOV.UK: Driver licences for taxis and private hire vehicles (read 2 Nov 2026)
- [3] North Kesteven District Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
